Okuma products???

[retiredbosn]

who is this company?  Do they make quality products?  Are the reels worth putting on a rod?  Any real world experience reports would be appreciated.  They seem to have a good record over at tackletour as far as their reviews go, hoping someone who has used the product regularly can chime in.  Thanks

[burleytog]

Rods are quality, no clue about the reels.  IMO there is no reason to take a risk on the reels.

[kbkindle]

i have one rod and one spinning reel   they are average nothing to brag about.  spinning reel is a little heavy  but is easy to use   when getting a rod   go up one rating on the action  if it says  med light go to  med   if its says med go to med heavy  you get it . that is comparing it to shimano or st croix avid rods

[MitchIsFishin]

I've never used their rods or any of their bc's. I have one cheapie spinning reel (a Dicks Sporting Goods special), 5 years old, I've beat it to death, but kept it serviced. Strange, but it is as smooth as my 2 year old Symetre, and decently built inside. The few I know who use them relegate them to 3rd/4th tier status, yet they do the job somehow.

[RBoyd]

I have the AV20 Avenger series spinning reels, had it for probably 4 years, still use it for wacky worming. Has served me well.... 8-)

[Micro]

Has anyone used or even examined the Okuma Concept C3?   I've heard some good things and bad things about their reels (like every other company), but I've only heard good about their rods.  The C3 looks incredible.  I'm wondering if its performance matches its looks.

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCOKUMA-OC3CR.html

[David P]

Has anyone used or even examined the Okuma Concept C3? I've heard some good things and bad things about their reels (like every other company), but I've only heard good about their rods. The C3 looks incredible. I'm wondering if its performance matches its looks.

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCOKUMA-OC3CR.html

Little bit heavier then the competition in that price range, haven't fished one, but played with them at the ISE show. Couldn't comment on sensitivity as I didn't use it, just held it for a second.

[Micro]

I found the TT ICAST preview...

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast2008okuma.html

Neat looking rods.

[scbassin]

I have used their VS series spinning reels & they are very smooth. Never had a problem with them. I know several people who use there salt water off shore reels & swear by them.

[mrbassky]

From what I hear they shine at making swimbait rods. Thats what they excel at.

[dave]

They've been around for a number of years. I was told they were a manufacturer of a few different major market reels that decided to get in the retail fray. I have an older Avenger ($20) no problems ever. Okuma has become the reel that a number of tackle shops have as the "house" reel, where they used to have Silstar and some others. Spinning reels I hear tend to be really good where they baitcasters may lack a following.

[bassripper2000]

I have the Okuma Inspira IA-20

It is a really good reel, casts good, very smooth, drag is strong.  I beat up on that reel alot and it takes it fine.  The only thing is that the line clip on the spool is poorly designed.  It sticks out slight and doesn't sit flush and tight against the spool.  So what happesn is when you cast, the line catches on the clip.  This happens maybe 1 outta 10 casts if your not careful.....

With that being said, It is a really good loaner reel, but for spinning I keep with Shimano and Daiwa.  

[lubina]

I have a great opinion of their swimbait rods, fly reels and customer service